EVANSVILLE — The Board of Zoning Appeals narrowly denied a special use permit for a large solar project in northern Vanderburgh County on Thursday.
The 4-3 decision came after a marathon meeting, packed with both remonstrators and project advocates.
Serita Cabell, Mike Rudolph and Rebecca Kasha voted in favor of the permit. Bill Pedkte, Joy Payne, Mike Zehner and Thomas Shetler voted against.
The Bluegrass Creek Solar Project, from Orion Renewable Energy Group, was planned for farmland near the intersection of Interstate 69 and Indiana 57. The plot is around 900 acres, north of the Vanderburgh County Industrial Park.
The privately owned land is currently zoned for agriculture, and Orion was asking for a special use permit to start the project.
The BZA decision comes after a period of vocal opposition to the project, and a lack of support from other county officials.
Justin Elpers, president of the Vanderburgh County Commission, issued a statement last month that he would not support the project.
In a statement shared to local news organizations, Elpers said he appreciated Orion Renewable Energy Group bringing the vision for a solar farm to Vanderburgh County.
"However, after listening to the concerns of our residents, reviewing the potential long-term impacts, and considering the priorities of our community," he stated, "I believe this particular project is not the right fit for Scott Township or for Vanderburgh County at this time."
At that time, Brianna Saunders, spokesperson for Orion Renewable, said the company was "disappointed and surprised" by Elpers' statement.
Saunders said the project is adjacent to the I-69 industrial corridor, which is in the county's comprehensive plan as a place for "intense development."
“We chose this location based on a variety of factors including the USDA Web Soil survey and the Purdue’s Soil Productivity Index which ranks the proposed area as low in its production value," the statement read. "Of the 48,000 acres of available farmland acres across the county, the project proposes using only about 600 acres, which can power the equivalent of about 20,000 residences.”
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